I am appalled at Brighton and Hove City Council's rejection of solar panels on roofs in certain conservation areas.

Friends of mine in Hanover were denied permission to install a hot water system which would save 70 per cent of their yearly costs and prevent 1.5 tonnes of greenhouse gases.

The council refuses pointblank if the roofs face the road, no matter what state the house is in, as it considers the panels to compromise the conservation status of the area.

The fact is these panels make the house look more modern but are no more intrusive than a Velux window.

Surely, in these daunting times for the world's environment, a more sensible approach is needed.

Is it worth compromising the future of our children for the whim of a so-called "green" council?

I spoke to one of the recently elected councillors at a solar day who didn't seem to know anything about solar power.

How are these people supposed to judge what is right for our community?

How do they qualify to stand for elected office on behalf of the Green Party?

-Adam McCready, Hove